The Russian Tsar and central protagonist who seeks to consolidate absolute power by establishing a personal army (Oprichnina) to counteract the growing influence of the boyar aristocracy.
Ivan commands absolute authority while Malyuta executes his ruthless orders as head of the personal guard.
Aleksei serves as a loyal military commander directly answerable to the Czar's consolidation efforts.
Efrosinia leads the boyar faction seeking to dismantle Ivan's authority and eliminate him.
Philip challenges the Czar's secular expansion and defends ecclesiastical independence.